As we prepare for the opening of a new school year, our minds go back to those much anticipated “first days” of school. We’d get to see friends who we might have missed all summer. Would there be any new kids? What would our teachers be like? These same thoughts go through our children’s minds as we inch closer to the opening bell that signals, “Here we go!”

You remember how you felt. It’s important to think about how today’s kids might be feeling. They’re being exposed to new technology that didn’t exist or was just getting tuned up back in our day. For little ones, those big buildings are scary and overwhelming. It may very well be their first time to be away from mom for such a long period of time.

Let’s give our teachers all the love and grace they deserve. They’ve just spent an entire week preparing the classroom for your child’s arrival, and many spend personal funds to make the room welcoming and safe for every student.

Lastly, be aware of school zones. Slow down and be aware that kids sometimes don’t pay attention, so you should. According to statistics, as many as 100 school children are injured every year in accidents that occur in a school zone.It’s a dangerous place for kids.

Let’s decide that this school year will be the safest and the most productive for our kids and teachers. Get ready for that class bell!

Summer is in full swing, and so are we. In this issue, our main focus is on weddings (naturally). The summer months are popular for weddings, and for good reason. It’s easier to take an extended leave from work or school during June, July, and August. If kids are involved in the wedding party, you don’t have to worry about getting them out of school (although they would probably prefer it). Back in the day, fresh flowers were easier to come by during the summer. We don’t have to worry about that in modern times. Flowers can be shipped from anywhere. Fun fact: The tradition of the “June Bride” actually dates back to Roman times when the festival of Juno (June) and his wife Jupiter (the goddess of marriage and childbirth) was celebrated on the first day of June. Anytime is a good time for a wedding celebration, however. So, keep this issue handy as a guide to planning and executing your special event.
We neglected to identify the gorgeous lady on the cover of last month’s issue. She was the recipient of our “Day of Pampering,” Jamie Standridge, the amazing mother of eight children. Her daughter, Gracie, submitted her name along with a short essay. We were so taken by what she had to say about her mother that we gifted her with a Day of Pampering as well. Also featured is Dr. Ken Sanders, standing next to his pride and joy race car. Dr. Sanders is one of the area’s premier plastic surgeons whose hobby happens to be racing. He is also part owner of the Paddock, where you can have your luxury vehicles pampered and stored for safekeeping.
SB Magazine has a new face. We welcome Diane VanHoozer, the newest member of our SB team. As Assistant Editor, Diane hit the ground running with her exceptional writing and photography skills. Her organizational skills will, no doubt, keep us all on track. We are thrilled and fortunate to have found her and know you will enjoy reading her contributions in each issue.